Nickel dermatitis: Frequently asked questions.

What is nickel dermatitis?

What is nickel dermatitis? A contact reaction to nickel is one of the most common allergic reactions of the skin. It presents as itchy, red scaly patches of skin. Although the reaction starts in the area exposed to nickel, it may spread to other areas of the body that have not had direct contact with nickel.

How is nickel dermatitis treated?

Your doctor may give you a topical steroid, which will suppress the allergic reaction and allow your skin to heal. Depending on the severity of your dermatitis, this may take several months. You must also stop exposing your skin to nickel, or the dermatitis will not heal completely and will return when the steroid is stopped. Topical steroids are safe when used as directed for limited periods of time, but must eventually be stopped to avoid thinning of the skin. Therefore, avoidance of nickel is essential to the long-term healing of nickel dermatitis.

What are the most common sources of nickel exposure?

Nickel in jewelry is the most common cause of nickel exposure, particularly in female patients. The metal snaps and buttons on pants and jeans are the cause of nickel dermatitis near the navel. In infants, the metal snaps on pajamas are the most frequent source of nickel contact.

How can I tell if jewelry has nickel in it?

The simplest way is to use the nickel spot test discussed below. In general, avoid cheap jewelry, although even some expensive gold jewelry has nickel mixed into it to harden the metal. Jewelry (particularly earrings) labeled “hypoallergenic” and made from stainless steel, plastic, or platinum are usually safe. Both the earrings and the backings must be nickel-free to avoid a reaction.

Where else might I be exposed to nickel?

Scissors, pens, hairpins, curlers, eyelash curlers, eyeglasses, coins, dental instruments, metal chairs, thimbles, safety pins are a few of the objects which may contain nickel.

My favorite pants/jeans have a nickel button, how can I continue wearing them?

The only reliable way to stop your dermatitis is to stop wearing nickel items. If you must, you may find that sewing a thick piece of material over the metal facing your skin may decrease the severity of your reaction. Covering the metal with nail polish does not usually work because the polish wears off too quickly.

How do I find out for certain if something has nickel in it?

There is a spot test using a chemical called dimethylglyoxime available that can be used to detect nickel in an object without harming the item. The test changes colors in the presence of nickel. It can be ordered from a number of distributors, two of which are listed below for your convenience:

Allerderm Laboratories, Inc.


P.O. Box 931
Mill Valley, CA 94942-0931
Phone: 1-800-365-6868
Web: http://www.allerderm.com
Cost (10/2003): $12.50 plus shipping

Delasco Dermatologic Lab and Supply, Inc.


608 13th Avenue
Council Bluff, IA 515-6401
Phone: 1-800-831-6273
Web: http://www.delasco.com
Cost (as of 10/2003): $15 plus shipping
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